<p> </p> <p><meta charset="utf-8" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Thomas County Middle School (TCMS) recently named Melissa Artz, seventh grade math teacher, as its 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. Artz has taught at TCMS for eight years and currently teaches math on T.O.P.S. (Teaching Outstanding Performers for Success) team.</span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“Melissa Artz is an outstanding math teacher and also a wonderful role model for our students,” said Thomas County Middle School Principal Clay Stanaland. “She holds her students and herself to a high standard in the classroom. Mrs. Artz has served as a leader in our math department and a leader among our faculty in helping with targeted support for small group instruction and struggling students. She is not only an outstanding teacher, but Mrs. Artz is also very personable, always with a ready smile each day for her students. You can tell when you are around Mrs. Artz or in her classroom that she loves teaching and she loves her students.”</span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">After Artz graduated from Valdosta State University with a BS in Special Education in 2009, and Masters in Special Education in 2010, she began teaching at Sumter County Schools where she taught reading, writing, and language for the deaf. In 2012, she moved to Thomasville and taught at Thomasville City Schools before moving to Thomas County Schools in 2016, where she has taught both science and math. She has completed her doctoral coursework from Northcentral University with only her dissertation remaining, as she believes in being a lifelong learner.</span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Artz attributes her success in teaching to “creating dynamic environments where students can apply theoretical knowledge to tangible, real-world situations.” She stated that “it is within these moments of exploration and experimentation that our students not only grasp complex concepts but also cultivate a profound love for the sciences and mathematics, fostering a mindset that transcends the traditional boundaries of the curriculum.”</span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">When discussing her teaching style, Artz stated that she is constantly trying to incorporate real-world scenarios into teaching math. She stated that her “aim is to make mathematical concepts tangible and relevant to students, ensuring that they see the direct correlation between what they are learning in the classroom and its application in everyday life.” </span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Artz gave an example of a recent lesson where students rotated through different stations to complete various assignments. In one group, students had a scenario of a Black Friday sale where they had a specific budget and were to find the discount of items that they would like to purchase. In another rotation, students were to plan a trip to Disney, including the cost of the stay, food, park passes, and include tax for each. She used the same concept in the last group to have students order from Daisy’s Donut Shop and determine the total amount that they would spend, including a tip to leave at the restaurant. </span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">She stated that during this lesson that “students were not just memorizing formulas but were actively applying their knowledge to make informed decisions. This approach aligns with my belief that teaching mathematics is not just about imparting facts but cultivating analytical skills that students can use beyond the classroom.”</span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">She went further to say that “the impact of this lesson extended beyond the classroom walls. Students started recognizing the relevance of mathematics in their daily lives, whether they were out shopping with their families or deciding how much to tip at a restaurant. The practical applications of percent application became evident, and students have begun to view math as a tool for making informed decisions rather than a series of abstract concepts.”</span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Artz stated that she constantly strives to create a collaborative nature in her classroom, fostering a sense of community. She stated that students learn not only from her but also from their peers, creating a supportive learning environment. This not only enhances their mathematical understanding but also develops their communication and teamwork skills.</span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Artz’s investment in education goes way beyond the classroom walls at TCMS. In addition to her role as an educator, Artz also is a member of the children’s ministry team at Dawson Street Baptist Church where she has taught 1st grade Sunday School and has served as co-director, set designer, and STEM activity director for Vacation Bible School for the past three years. In addition to these roles at Dawson Street, she also plays the keyboard in the orchestra, is a member of the Handbell and Adult Choirs. </span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:#ffffff;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Artz also teaches American Sign Language I and II at Thomas University and is a member of Valdosta State University’s Advisory Board for the Deaf Education and Interpreting Programs, reflecting her commitment to shaping the future of educational programs and ensuring that students “feel seen, heard, and valued.” </span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3fd0b58c-7fff-3019-fb8a-478493b44678" style="font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#222222;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">She ended by saying, “In my role as a 7th-grade teacher at Thomas County Middle School, my mission transcends conventional teaching methods. I am steadfast in my belief that we must empower students to engage in accelerated learning. Our classrooms are not confined spaces for rote instruction but rather incubators for curiosity, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning.”</span></span></p> <p><img alt="TCMS Teacher of the Year 2024" src="/userfiles/427/my%20files/tcms%20toty%20group%202024.jpg?id=183923&width=500" style="width: 500px; height: 294px;" /></p> <p><img alt="TCMS TOTY 2024 Staff" src="/userfiles/427/my%20files/tcms%20toty%202024.jpg?id=183924&width=500" style="width: 500px; height: 347px;" /></p>